Overview

• On India’s 79th Independence Day, Javed Akhtar posted on X to thank Indians and highlight freedom fighters’ sacrifices.
• An anonymous commenter under his post wrote “Aapka happy independence to 14th August hai,” implying he belongs to Pakistan.
• Akhtar replied with “Apni auqat mein raho,” referencing his ancestors’ imprisonment and deaths in the Cellular Jail.
• His reference to Kaala Pani highlighted his great-grandfather Fazl-e-Haq Khairabadi’s exile and his family’s legacy of resistance.
• Netizens widely defended Akhtar on social media and mainstream outlets reported the exchange without further escalation.